The
Great Barrier Reef is a chain of coral reefs in the Coral Sea, off the northeastern coast of Australia, which contains the largest deposit of coral in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a remarkable number of organisms. The coral itself is made up of the skeletons of tiny, flowerlike water animals called polyps. Built up by living corals growing on the skeletons of past generations, coral reefs provide refuge and food for marine organisms ranging from microscopic algae and zooplankton, to great white sharks measuring more than 6 m (20 ft) in length.

The
continuous efforts of national NGOs and the government facilitate the the
biological and economic development of this region. Marine
conservation is further intensified to protect the thousands of species
living in these waters, serving as their habitat and source of food.